One of the massive benefits of Kearney being 100% predictable with running the ball back is that our forwards can pick the biggest opposition player and get there early, knowing that the ensuing ruck will be on the right place.

One of the massive benefits of Kearney being 100% predictable with running the ball back is that our forwards can pick the biggest opposition player and get there early, knowing that the ensuing ruck will be on the right place.

One of the massive benefits of Kearney being 100% predictable with running the ball back is that our forwards can pick the biggest opposition player and get there early, knowing that the ensuing ruck will be on the right place.

It is understood Jamie Heaslip is on course to resume his rugby career in approximately six weeks’ time.

The No 8 has been loosely pencilled in for Leinster’s PRO14 League match against the Ospreys on the weekend of March 24.

In truth, the 34-year-old will have to hit more markers between now and then on his road back to full match fitness.

Heaslip’s career has been in limbo since a second operation was required on his lower back at the end of October in what was a make-or-break move.

Understandably, he has been sparse with information about what he considers a private medical matter.

However, he has been able to take the baby steps from the operation to holding a genuine shot at a comeback, just over a year after he last played for Ireland, 14 months from his last appearance for Leinster.

Should the Naas native return on schedule he could be available for Leinster's Champions Cup quarter-final clash with Saracens on April 1.

Ulster need to sort the breakdown out, lineout was exceptional last week I thought, but as per usual the breakdown was a major weakness. Warwick, Treadwell and Herbst are disappointing there.

Warwick and Herbst aren't just disappointing at the breakdown. Herbst has went backwards since his first season. Hasn't been able to adapt his scrummaging after being worked out, refuses to keep a scrum up at the slightest hint of pressure and offers nothing else.